Recovery experiences of younger stroke survivors who are parents: A qualitative content analysis

To explore the experience of parenting for younger stroke survivors (aged 18 to 64 years at the time of the stroke).

Stroke among younger adults increased 43% between 2000 and 2010. The social, emotional and physical functioning of younger adults affects multiple aspects of their lives including parenting. There is limited research on the experience of parenting after stroke.

This is a qualitative descriptive study.

We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 10 younger adults who were actively parenting children under the age of 18 years at the time of stroke. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse the data. We report the methods and results using the COREQ checklist.

Impairments from stroke disrupted participants' identity, relationships and roles as a parent. The degree to which parenting abilities and behaviours were affected by stroke was contingent upon the type and severity of impairments as well as the children's age. Participants also observed emotional and behavioural changes in their children in response to their stroke. Support from family, friends, healthcare providers and children's school/day care was crucial to participants throughout their stroke recovery. Two major themes emerged: (a) finding a new normal; and (b) support for parenting post-stroke.

Findings enable a deeper understanding of the distinct parenting challenges younger stroke survivors face and can inform future research on this population.

Study findings highlight the need for continual and tailored follow-up by nurses and other allied healthcare professionals to decrease the difficulty stroke survivors experience when trying to resume their role as parents.